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2024-10-29 19:42:56'How do we do that?' Cornel finally quips in, no hint of confusion on his face, suggesting he also knows what hunters are and it's then I notice the sway in his movements and his trembling hands, possible dizziness as he’s sat fire gazing quietly. Vampires have impeccably steady hands and almost steel postures normally; this one is fading fast and not in a good condition.
'When did you last feed on human blood?' I ignore his question with one of my own. “Don’t you have your tribute travel with you?” I frown at him, unsure why an ancestral would leave home without their gifted human that meets their feeding needs. It’s unheard of not to have access to human blood regularly. Tributes dedicate their life to serving Vampiric masters treating it as a great honour.
Cora flashes a look at Cornel in minor surprise and a fleeting look of concern once more graces her face. A hint of guilt and a high blush forming on her cheekbones which sugges
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Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 8
8I chant out loudly, the candles going out one by one in succession around us as though a puff is wafted in succession, followed by the fire. A second of darkness before all explode back to light with a combustive boom that creates tiny sparkles around the room. Like pouring lighter fuel onto a tiny ember of a flame and igniting a volcano eruption of light.Cornel jumps to his feet in alarm, crying out in anguished pain like a dying animal, his body stiffening and twisting as he fights the internal agony. He grasps his heart with both hands, clutching at his chest as though to claw out what it is I am causing, before falling to the ground in a heap. Slumping down in a heavy unceremonious clatter into a deadweight of non-motion. I watch, undeterred and unaffected as he lays groaning and writhing, just as Cora returns, cradling the vial and bloodied dagger against her bosom, eyes wide as though she’s still reeling from what I made her do.She gasps at the s
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 9
The darkness in my head clears away to a sunny cloudless blue sky, as though I’m lying down and gazing up into the warmest of tropical summer days. I can make out tall grasses on either side of my line of sight, the type from wild meadows. Luscious and thick, greens and earthy tones mixed pleasingly, scattered with tiny pastel flowers, and savour the baking sun on my face. Voices in the distance are calling and yelling, hard to fathom as it’s so far so they are gentle murmurs in the air and not really coherent.Sitting up in my mind's eye I face towards a group of men and young women across the field playing ball, they are playing a radio on low and drinking beer, surrounded by forests as a back drop to this entire scene as though we are encircled by it at a distance. They have a blanket and picnic hamper set further aback and see like they have bene here for a while. Oblivious to my presence as I am viewing someone else’s memory.It&rsq
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 10
The day begins with the morning sun breaking through the dusty drapes of my room. The ancient large four poster bed creaking as I emerge and slide from the layers of sheets and blankets onto the cold wooden floorboards. Accustomed to the morning cold and dampness of the air since I have stayed in this state a while now.Today I’m going to begin looking through the endless public records of births in the city library for any reference to a child named Dante. Even though his accent seemed off it is still worth a try. Hopefully Cora will secure a meeting with the young seer from the coven she connected herself to, giving us a better chance at locating this elusive male. As for the rest of the coven witches, they may yet be useful if they harness any kind of skills and it’s always handy having a brood of sister witches nearby should I require assistance or minions.The girl, the seer, has no clue of the power and gifts she holds within herself if
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 11
Some are spells that need to remain constant with my power to continue working, so I never remove them. Some are talismans, some I draw power from and some for protection. I guess even with my own gifts, I still always like to have a little backup to hand. My bangles clink as I walk the few miles to town, merrily enjoying the fine weather and scenic beauty of mother earth.Even this early in the day, the sun is hot and the road dusty. I never saw much need for a car when travelling, I like the time to walk and take in my new surroundings to familiarise myself with it all. If needs be I’m very good at persuasive spells to get people to drive me where I need to go. Vampires are not the only beings with tricks like that.There seems to be some sort of weather disruption in these parts lately as it should be cold here right now. It’s winter! Yet since my arrival nothing but summer weather and soaring temperatures every second of every day. The locals are
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 12
I get myself to the local library as the doors are opening. It’s almost deserted due to the early hour, quiet, and gloomy among the rows of old books and musty smelling paper. The little old librarian with white curly hair, rimmed spectacles, and flowery dress smiles at me warmly across the tables when I pass her by and leaves me to browse.I must admit, I love the smell and aura of ancient books, the feeling of being surrounded by old, treasured pages. Back home my own library is my favourite place to spend time. Books retain some sort of presence from past readers, and it can be felt in the air all around me because I’m sensitive to energy vibrations in all things, be they living or not. A warm familiar sensation comes from books, like a gentle breeze on a hot day, or a soothing hug when you need it most, and that relaxes me. It’s because books are beloved things, often cherished with affectionate possessiveness and bring so many emotions by opening them.
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 13
All vampires of a notable age usually either rule a very long, established coven, or are part of the high council within one, under the rule of an even older vampire. Ancestrals are supernatural’s, over the age of one thousand is common for ones who venture out and about occasionally because they are experts at avoiding detection from humans.Even immortals can be killed in different ways, we all have a weakness or crux, I just haven’t found mine yet. The longer you live the less older supernatural’s you came across. They have either gone so far underground and kept out of the human world, or fate has finally caught up and taken them from this place. Ancestrals are rare in most species, and vampires keep theirs protected and concealed because of it. Cornel is not just any vampire, he’s royalty in their world and would be missed if absent for long periods of time. This concerns me greatly, as I only just finished helping turn an ancestral royal Va
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 14
Finally, in Columbus and awaiting Cora at the airport, shuffling through the pages I stole from the library phonebook back in Utah. I ripped several 'D Torres' from the book, in several areas around Newark and nearby. Surprised at how many there are even with his surname. Most have addresses and another step towards finding him before his fight. I lack patience and in my opinion waiting weeks to see him may be too late if we are indeed in a race against time.Cora looks me up and down as I slide into the car with the handful of pages, and she’s soon brought up to speed on what I’ve found. Squinting at the picture of the man on the poster, she smiles encouragingly.'It's him! The visions showed that arm with tattoos, the body build, the hair and even the profile. He is awfully handsome isn't he? Were hunters always good looking?' She seems excited, but her feelings are also apprehension. I don’t know if Cora understands the magnitude of this bein
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 15
'What the....?' Deborah's shocked response sees all colour draining from her face. Her mouth gaping open. I doubt she’s ever seen a witch do that if she’s surrounded by humans.'If you’re going to try and bind a witch’s powers make sure you have a clue how to do it. Or do a background check on just who you’re messing with, pet.' I smirk sarcastically, Cora trying to hide her grin and turns away to admire some crystal hangers in the corner in a rather obvious move.‘Don't insult a member of the high council either. Such disrespect will not be tolerated again and you will find that next time, I won't be so tolerant. I won’t merely light your candles.' I snap at her, my tone grating as my temper rises a tad and turn back to the young girl to evaluate her. Deborah slinks back speechless, the first time real submissive and humble expression appears on her face as she stares at me with wonder. I guess she finally realises who I
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Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 29
'Baby? I'm wounded.' He clutches his heart and pulls a mock hurt expression, pouting my way with doe eyes that do nothing for me.'After all the intimate moments we’ve shared, how can you call me a stranger?' He takes my silence as something amusing and goes back to cradling his glass on his chest, unzipping his jacket to reveal a white t-shirt that’s a little too tight to be appropriate. I swirl my hand over my case, muttering insults under my breath, and watch the vial piece back together almost instantly and the contents are sucked along with it, back inside. Shutting him out the best I can and undoing what he made me break.'I don't mind him seeing.' Annabel blinks at me with innocence, ignoring the gravity of the situation, undeterred by my obviously fowl temper around Dante. I hold my tongue and continue packing, trying to not lose my cool with this child already, as I know I have to build trust, not resentment.'Yeah, honey bunch, the ki
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 28
Annabel's eyes are wide as saucers as she meanders the house in which I’m busy packing my trunks and cases and have left her to explore. Cora departed once dropping us here after flying home, to let us get acquainted, and to go organise the travel arrangements to Scotland on my behalf.'You really have a lot of ingredients and books about witchcraft.' Annabel states naively, eyes wide in awe at everything she’s been looking at, obviously only used to the feeble attempts at magick from her coven family. They seemed more based in crystals, candles, and herbs, and had probably never seen or heard of most of what I deem a spell necessity. This is like a treasure trove of oddities for the girl.'You have a lot to learn with me, Annabel.' I nod at her, gesturing with a head tilt to a grimoire laid on the low table by the couch.'That one is a good starting point, it belonged to a witch who was very young when she began it. Younger than you and charts all h
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 27
'Over my dead body!' Deborah yells manically into my face and stomps away from us in an erratic fashion in the altar room, shielding Annabel behind her white robes rather viciously. Glaring at me as though I’m her mortal enemy, while Annabel silently blinks at us with a look of utter defeat. It’s been thirty minutes of hysterics, tantrums and yelling and I am so done with all of it.'That's do-able.' I shrug, admiring my nails flippantly and sigh heavily, feeling Cora’s side eye as she tries to gauge my seriousness. My mood has been one of irritation since I was awoken from dreams of a certain hunter laying hands on me and sapping the last morsels of my power away. A nightmarish and helpless dream with that cocky ass laughing at my inability to wield any kind of magick. Now I’m dealing with an almighty freak out by the pretend witch and I am so close to flexing my violent streak.'But not how she will handle it, of course!' Cora in
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 26
'You mean who he is now won't be who he ends up?' Cora gasps, her expression stricken.'How can you be sure?' Dante snaps at me, coming out of his own thoughts, a storm moving into those blue eyes and darkening them effectively. His mood changing rapidly and a darkness like a black cloud collecting in the air. He doesn’t like this idea that he won’t be in control of who he is.'Because I have known your kind. I was a part in removing you all from this earth. None of you started out as killing machines. You were children who played, and laughed, and grew in the loving arms of your families, and then when you were awakened you lost all compassion and emotion. Cut off everything they felt, even for their loved ones. You will too. That’s when you will do what you were created for, without blinking.'The room falls silent as everyone ponders what I’m saying.'So, he’s still a threat? An unpredictable one who could turn at any time
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 25
We arrive at my temporary house in the woods together. Cornel in his blacked out hire van, with Dante’s motorbike stashed in the back, and Tay as his passenger. We’re behind in Cora's car, keeping close to them and silently lost in our own thoughts as we mull this over. It’s late and growing dark with a high bright moon tonight, yet I’m completely unsettled. The moon usually brings me comfort and peace but instead it feels like it’s bearing down on me with heaviness and urgency.I’ve no idea if bringing the hunter to the place where I currently reside is a good idea, considering his immunity to magick and the fact he may yet pose a threat, but I’ve no other options. We need privacy from mortals, and we need a quiet space to sit down and see where we go from here. I don't like him, but Cornel and Cora seem to be fast warming to the arrogant idiot. Somehow finding him strangely trustworthy and I of course disag
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 24
'And the security guards?' Cornel cuts in, his eyes moving down the hall in an attempt to locate them by searching for their body heat with his abilities.'Will wake up when I am a suitable distance away and not have a clue how they ended up sleeping on the job. It was a temporary and weak spell, unlike this one.' I throw my hair over my shoulder impatiently and glare back at the door from which I came out. Cursing him in there for being who I now have to deal with.'What happens now?' Cora’s inquisitive, less terrified now she knows Dante means no immediate danger and unsure how to broach the subject delicately. It’s obvious to all present that I’ve met my match and this man is someone I have no clue how to handle. What he is, combined with that arrogant personality, and cocky nature, are the worst traits ever. Just thinking about him brings my heated anger back to near boiling point.'We all go for a cosy chat, according to him. We wait for t
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 23
'Ummm, we shall give you two a moment.' Cora butts in, her face flushed and eyes wide and tugs Cornel back out by the wrist in a hurried fashion, leaving me powerless to do anything but remain a prisoner over the muscular shouldered, idiot, holding me up. I squirm in his tight hold, outraged, and my anger growing, attempting to break free but he’s too strong.'Put me down!' I grind out through gritted teeth with a venomous tone. Once more, trying to push myself up on my arms to get some purchase so I can buck around. Without abilities I literally have no clue how to defend myself because I never learned to be physical.'Ask me nicely, sugar, and I'll think about it. I'm not sure I like this superior thing you got going on and reckon you could do with some time out. I could do this all day if that’s what it takes!' He chuckles and rocks me back further, so I fall down against his hard naked back like a ragdoll before he walks over to a locker and uses one ha
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 22
'You can try all night, sweetcheeks, and you will always get the same results. I’m immune to all your hokery pokery and voodoo shit. So whatever this was, maybe you should just get it off your chest and explain. Oh, and nice accent by the way. I like a sexy foreigner. What is it? Irish? Scottish?' He walks casually to the wall and leans back against it slowly, stopping to unravel the bandages still wrapped around his hands that had kept his gloves on tightly. Seemingly unphased by any of this. Riling my inner bitch to extreme levels.'You're a hunter... I’m your prey... What is there to explain? I should be asking you what this is?' I stomp to my feet and brush myself down with spiky motions, anger simmering insanely and my confusion making me worse. Staring at him as though he has two heads and not sure if I ever met a hunter who was completely immune while powers still caused mayhem around him. It’s not how it used to work. They were dampeners who weakened
Cruden Tale (Awakening spin off) 21
I move swiftly along the corridor towards the unconscious men, finding a nearby room which I effortlessly unlock. I twist my hand in mid-air and watch the two lifeless bodies slide in without resistance so I can conceal them with a locked door. The corridor once again clear, showing no signs of what I’ve done and my magick should keep them out cold for an hour. It’s dimly lit now too, as I took care of that fact by turning out the remaining light bulbs minus a couple at the far end and casting myself in almost complete darkness immediately.My plan is simple. He can sense me for sure, but that doesn't mean I don’t have some element of surprise. If he can't lay eyes on me out here in the crevice of the wall then I can wait for him to pass and put my potion to use. It just needs to get into his lungs or on his skin and he will be rendered useless.I don't have much time, the commentator is announcing his victory already, echoing this way, and soon he&rs
